The best cheeses for burgers, ranked — from American to cheddar to blue, the top cheeseburger cheeses by melt and flavor, and how to choose.
A great cheeseburger needs the right cheese. Here's a ranking and guide to the best cheeses for burgers, by melt and flavor, to help you build the perfect cheeseburger.
Ranking Burger Cheeses
The best burger cheese melts smoothly over the hot patty and has flavor that complements the beef. Different cheeses prioritize melt or flavor, and the best choice depends on your burger style. Here's a ranking and guide to the best cheeses for burgers, from the ultimate melters to the bold flavor choices, so you can pick the perfect cheese for your cheeseburger.
1. American Cheese: The Melt Champion
Topping the ranking for melt is American cheese — it melts more smoothly and evenly than almost anything (thanks to its emulsifiers), draping over the patty in a glossy, gooey layer with no greasiness, and its mild flavor lets the beef shine. For a classic diner-style or smash burger, American cheese is the quintessential, hard-to-beat choice. So American cheese ranks first for melt — the ultimate gooey, smooth cheeseburger cheese, if mild in flavor. It's the classic for good reason, prioritizing flawless melt.
2. Cheddar: The Flavorful Classic
Ranking high for flavor is cheddar — the most popular flavorful burger cheese, giving familiar, satisfying tang. Medium cheddar melts well and adds flavor; sharp cheddar brings more bite (though very aged cheddar melts less smoothly). Cheddar balances good melt and bold flavor, making it a reliable, classic cheeseburger choice. So cheddar ranks high for flavor — the classic flavorful burger cheese, balancing tang and melt. It's the go-to when you want more flavor than American cheese provides, on a hearty cheeseburger.
3. Swiss and Gruyère: Nutty and Smooth
Ranking well for a gourmet burger are Swiss cheese and especially Gruyère — they melt smoothly into a nutty, savory layer that pairs wonderfully with mushrooms, caramelized onions, and richer burgers. Gruyère's depth makes it great for a patty melt or gourmet burger. So Swiss and Gruyère rank high for gourmet and mushroom burgers — nutty, smooth melters that add sophistication. They're excellent choices when you want a more refined, flavorful cheeseburger, especially with mushrooms or onions.
4. Bold Choices: Blue, Pepper Jack, and More
For bold flavor, several cheeses rank highly for specific burgers. Blue cheese (crumbled or melted) adds tangy, pungent punch (great with bacon and caramelized onions, on a steakhouse-style burger). Pepper Jack adds creamy heat (for a spicy burger). Smoked Gouda or cheddar add smokiness (barbecue burger). Brie adds creamy richness (fancy burger). Havarti melts mild and smooth. These bold choices rank highly for tailoring a burger to a specific flavor. So for bold, specific flavors, blue cheese, pepper jack, smoked cheese, and others rank highly, letting you customize your cheeseburger.
Choosing the Best Burger Cheese
To choose the best burger cheese: for classic smooth melt, American (ranked first for melt); for flavorful classic, sharp cheddar; for gourmet/mushroom burgers, Gruyère or Swiss; for bold/specific flavors, blue cheese, pepper jack, or smoked cheese. Match the cheese to your burger style and desired flavor. For the best melt, add the cheese in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan/grill briefly to melt it over the patty. So choose based on your burger — American for melt, cheddar for flavor, Gruyère for gourmet, blue/pepper jack for bold. With the right cheese, your cheeseburger will be perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cheese for a burger?
American cheese ranks first for melt (flawless and gooey, if mild); sharp cheddar for flavor; Gruyère or Swiss for gourmet/mushroom burgers; and blue cheese or pepper jack for bold, specific flavors. The best depends on your burger style.
What cheese melts best on a burger?
American cheese melts the most smoothly and evenly (thanks to its emulsifiers), draping over the patty in a glossy, gooey layer — the classic choice for melt.
How do I melt cheese on a burger?
Add the cheese in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan or grill briefly, so the trapped heat melts it evenly over the patty.